Leeds were left frustrated by their own profligacy in front of goal and the officials’ display at Elland Road on Tuesday night as Sunderland held the Whites to a stalemate in front of a home crowd eager to take advantage of Leicester City’s slip-up.
The Foxes were beaten 1-0 by struggling Millwall earlier in the night, but Leeds could not find a breakthrough against a miserly Black Cats outfit who rode their luck during the second half as United were denied a stonewall penalty kick for a handball by Luke O’Nien.
Here are the ratings.
7. Ilia Gruev - 5/10
Ran around, tried to get on the ball but it wasn't until the second half that he was able to start playing forward with regularity. | Getty Images
8. Crysencio Summerville - 7/10
Flashes of danger but Sunderland threw bodies in his way. Unable to produce the necessary magic. Leeds relied on him too heavily though. | Getty Images
9. Dan James - 5/10
Showed endeavour when the ball actually came down his flank, just couldn't find a telling cross or shot. Some loose touches. | Bruce Rollinson
10. Georginio Rutter - 5/10
A frustrating performance. Started slowly, briefly sparked to life and found some nice passes to Summerville but was too quiet or ineffective at times. | Bruce Rollinson
11. Patrick Bamford - 4/10
Wasteful in the first half, showed a lack of composure after going past the keeper. Second half linked up to better effect. | Bruce Rollinson
12. Willy Gnonto (sub) - 7/10
Bright, lively and straight into the action. Gave Leeds a threat on the right side and linked up nicely with team-mates. | Richard Sellers/PA Wire